Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 24
Pulisic Declares 100% Fitness for USA's Final Group Match as Knockout Risks Loom
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 24

Pulisic Declares 100% Fitness for USA's Final Group Match as Knockout Risks Loom

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 24

Summary

  • Christian Pulisic said he is "100%" healthy and ready for the United States' final Group D match after missing the Australia game with a calf injury.
  • The 27-year-old rejoined full training in recent days, but coach Mauricio Pochettino has not told players who will start in a match that does not affect the U.S. finish atop the group.
  • That leaves a selection dilemma: rest Pulisic for the Round of 32 or give him minutes after he has played only 1 half in the tournament and little soccer since early May.
  • Four U.S. players — Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, Folarin Balogun and Tyler Adams — also carry yellow cards, with another booking triggering a 1-match suspension for the knockout opener.
  • After opening with wins over Paraguay and Australia, the U.S. appears set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.

Insights

Is Pulisic's desire for match fitness worth risking a 30% re-injury rate before the critical knockout stage begins?
How does Pochettino's 'culture eats strategy' philosophy justify risking his star player in a match with nothing at stake?